sugery date

[jen3boys]

I have my date for sugery its april 13, does any one have any suggestions I would love any advice

[sherimom]

Hi Jen,
My son had his surgery 1/26/09. If you can have someone with you at the hospital, I think it is helpful. Granted, my son was 15 and not an adult, but even if he were it would have been helpful. There were times when he had a hard time finding a comfortable positiion etc.... because he's my son, I kept trying until we figured it out. The staff was wonderful but they get busy too sometimes. (ice packs and a towel/thin blanket in a "u" shape, was helpful). He looked at me at one point and asked how it was that I could figure out what worked when they couldn't. I think if it's possible to have someone be an "advocate" for you is great if you can do it.

I was told prior to surgery that bright lights and loud noises might be uncomfortable for him and so I was able to tell people ahead of time that if they come in and the room is dark, don't turn on the lights. You may feel that way and want to let people know that ahead of time.

He needed a little help at home the first few days. I made sure to get a non slip mat for the shower and he needed some help getting shirts on. We found that soft, button up shirts OR v neck type shirts worked best.

Have some simple stuff at home to eat - have some soups, 7 up etc.. on hand just in case.

Hope everything goes well for you.....I"m sure you will do fine. I know I was amazed at how quickly he bounced back afterwards.
Sherimom

[Shane99]

Nah. As far as you go; you'll be sleeping most of the first couple of days. Then you'll be in a room where people can visit. The hospital will handle anything you need.

Any loved ones in the waiting-room might want to bring a book or something and lots of change for the snack machines.

[jen3boys]

thank you for you response. I have very mixed feelings. I am relieved the decision is made to have surgery but i am worried about after. Is there something special to bring to the hospital or have after surgery?

[Shane99]

Everyone is different, but basically you'll be in the hospital for around 5 days, then you'll come home and be pretty pitiful for another week.

I'd suggest having someone there to wait on you the first couple of days. The day you come home, you'll be able to make it to your bedroom and back and forth to the bathroom, couch etc, but you won't feel like doing much standing or sitting up.  After that you'll be able to do small things for yourself - make sandwiches or microwave food.

It'll take about 6 weeks before you're well enough to go out for extended trips (work, school, shopping trips etc). And "complete" recovery can take a year or so.

[jen3boys]

thanks, how do i get to the surgery thread

Jen

[selmaS]

Hi Jen,

Sorry, I haven't had surgery....but I wish u the best.
Also, I'd like to ask u to add ur name and surgery date to the surgery list thread.And If possible, have someone pop on and update us on ur progress afterward.

Godspeed
"selma"